An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed a measure to notify the public when inmates escape from state prisons.

The measure by Rep. John Paul Jordan of Yukon will act as an "Amber Alert" or "Silver Alert" system for the public whenever a prisoner escapes into the general population. Jordan says it would notify the public and give them an opportunity to protect themselves.

Jordan says the idea came from a case he worked on early in his legal career when two inmates escaped from a county jail and abducted a client. The inmates caught her unaware and held her at gun and knife point as they ransacked her home.

Jordan says the measure is a way to enhance public safety with a minimal cost to the taxpayers.